Dennis the Menace has significance

Residents of Old Midland made memories at park

Dennis the Menace Park is being renovated. Many residents of Old Midland made memories at the park located at Garfield Street and Indiana Avenue.

Dennis the Menace Park is being renovated. Many residents of Old Midland made memories at the park located at Garfield Street and Indiana Avenue.

Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

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Dennis the Menace Park is being renovated. Many residents of Old Midland made memories at the park located at Garfield Street and Indiana Avenue.

Dennis the Menace Park is being renovated. Many residents of Old Midland made memories at the park located at Garfield Street and Indiana Avenue.

Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Dennis the Menace has significance

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Midland’s John Basse recalls the days growing up Midland more than 50 years ago.

He remembers the summer of 1963, waking up early, grabbing his bike and heading over to Dennis the Menace Park for another day to make memories that will last a lifetime.

“It was part of my daily routine; we rode our bikes for miles just to get to the park,” Basse said.

His experience wasn’t unique. Many residents of Old Midland have fond memories of Dennis the Menace, which is in the midst of a $2.3 million redevelopment.

Like Basse, Shanna Murphee is a lifelong resident of the Tall City. She grew up in the 1970s. Like so many, Murphee was heartbroken to see the demolition at Dennis the Menace. Metal structures, like the “birdcage,” “airplane,” “spiral” and “spinner,” and the lion water feature were part of the good times that included birthday parties and special events. It wasn’t uncommon, she said, for the entire neighborhood to come together on the 3.9 acres at the intersection of Garfield Street and Indiana Avenue for an afternoon of fun.

“This park was very significant to me,” Murphree said. “I played there as a child, and then my own children (played there).”

It's not just another park; it is the park to visit in Midland, Texas'

-- Laurie Williams, parks and recreation manager

The health of the park has slowly dwindled since Basse and Murphree were children and parts like the water features were filled in. City officials have said a metal park doesn’t live up to the standards many residents seek today.

That is why to keep the legacy of Dennis the Menace park alive, the City Council voted for a complete rebuild of Dennis the Menace. Laurie Williams, parks and recreation manager, said the park will be divided into five themed “adventures.” The first two phases could be complete by the end of the year, according to previous Reporter-Telegram articles.

The $800,000 third phase calls for a splash pad, and if approved, could be complete in 2019.

“We want children to have a fun and safe experience,” Williams said. “We want them to imagine themselves on an adventure just like Dennis did.”

The new park is set to be an improvement over the old park. It will be safer for kids and create an experience for the adults and kids, alike. As the residents of Old Midland have an attachment to the park from years of experiences, Williams hopes future generations can create their own memories.

Murphree and Basse are worried about what will happen to the history of the park and the things they cared the most about growing up. Williams said there has been misconceptions about what will happen to some of the park’s equipment. She said recently that a committee has been formed to preserve the history of Dennis the Menace Park.

“People do not want to see their favorites, such as the lion water fountain and the airplane, just disappear, and they will not,” Williams said. “It’s not just another park; it is the park to visit in Midland, Texas.”